A Wyoming fire chief and his wife are facing serious charges after allegedly starving and abusing their 13-year-old adopted son, causing him to become severely malnourished.
The boy weighed just 55 pounds when the abuse was uncovered, and authorities say he was left “wafer thin” with his ribs and bones clearly visible.
The Allegations Against Darrick and Angela Mittlestadt
Darrick Mittlestadt, the fire chief of Laramie County Fire District No. 1, and his wife, Angela Mittlestadt, have both been charged with aggravated child abuse and conspiracy. Local police confirmed the charges after the couple turned themselves in on Monday.
The couple took in the boy six years ago, and Angela Mittlestadt allegedly told investigators that the child had trauma and behavioral issues, stating she thought she could help him. However, the police affidavit suggests the child endured severe neglect, including limited meals and a lack of proper care.
Starvation and Abuse Revealed
The 13-year-old boy told investigators that he was given only crackers and protein shakes as rewards, and his bedroom door was reportedly blocked for about two years. He was allowed only one meal a day and believed there was “no point in giving me food,” according to police documents.
His physical condition was alarming—his ribs, collarbones, and other bones were visible due to extreme thinness, and he was missing much of his hair.
Angela Mittlestadt claimed that managing the care of the boy, along with a younger child in the home, became overwhelming. Meanwhile, Darrick Mittlestadt admitted to failing in his role, stating, “I failed everyone, because I didn’t do my job.”
The Boy’s Condition and Medical Care
In June, Angela Mittlestadt reportedly dropped the child off at a Youth Development Center in Douglas and told staff that he “needed somewhere to live.”
The boy, originally from Colorado, was taken to Colorado Children’s Hospital on June 24, where doctors discovered he weighed just 55 pounds and showed signs of long-term malnutrition, including arrested bone growth and joint development.
Pediatricians who treated the boy confirmed that the malnutrition had been ongoing and had a significant impact on his health.
Darrick and Angela Mittlestadt are now facing charges for their alleged mistreatment of their adopted son, who is recovering from severe malnutrition and neglect. This case highlights the importance of addressing child abuse and ensuring that children in need are given the care and support they deserve.
